Ryo Hatsuse, although a defender, creates opportunities with his aggressive offensive participation and precise kicks.The long ball unleashed from his left foot threatens the opponent's defense, becoming the starting point of Vissel Kobe's attack.However, he was originally right-handed, and it is said that his accuracy with his left foot improved through continuous practice.How did Japan's leading placekicker grow up?We had a look back at the origin of Hatsuse and his battles so far this season.

——​It’s been said that you were right-footed when you were in elementary school. How did you manage to kick at a high level with both legs?

Originally, when I was in elementary school, I admired Mr. Shunsuke Nakamura and tried to imitate his play.When it comes to Mr. Shunsuke Nakamura, his artistic free kicks with his left foot were famous, so I naturally started using my left foot as well.In a field dominated by right-footed players, I thought it would be cool to be able to kick with my left foot. From then on, I kept practicing with my left foot, and before I knew it, my accuracy improved.

——​​What kind of practice should children who dream of becoming J.LEAGUE players do to kick with the same accuracy as you?

After all, it’s important to increase the opportunities for children to interact with balls.Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, so there’s no need to necessarily obsess over kicking with both legs.Just like Mitoma, a representative of Japan, it is possible to achieve high accuracy with both the inside and outside of the right leg.I suppose it’s alright to do it in a way that suits each style.Even so, if you want to kick accurately with both legs, I think it’s important to increase the opportunities to touch the ball and cultivate your sense.

——​​Let’s also discuss this year’s Vissel Kobe.As we approach the end of the season, what is the state of the team?

There were moments of struggle in the first half of the season, but in the second half, the number of goals conceded decreased and we were able to accumulate more points.As a defender, I’m thinking I want to boost the team starting from defense, aiming for a championship.

——​​Looking back on the battles so far, could you tell us about the parts that went well and the challenges you faced as an individual player?

I believe the play during the attack has improved.I feel that I’ve had more opportunities to participate in the attack compared to last year, and that I’ve become able to create chances accordingly.In terms of challenges, would it be set plays?The closer the game, the more important set plays become, so we want to increase opportunities to score from free kicks and corner kicks.

——In a team where the competition for positions is intense, do you have any strategies to make your presence felt?

I think it’s important to make the most of your own characteristics.In my case, the accuracy of my kicks is a major strength. I believe that I can make my presence felt if I can create opportunities from my own kicks.It’s also important to consistently participate in matches without getting injured.If you can consistently perform well in every match, you will be regarded as a “dependable player” by the manager and coaches.It’s been about six years since I came to Kobe, and I hardly ever take time off due to injuries, so I believe that’s one of my strengths.

——What do you do regularly to maintain a good condition?

I am careful about the care and meals after games and practices.After practice, you can have a nutritious meal at the clubhouse, which I believe contributes to the recovery of your physical strength.Also, Vissel Kobe has many experienced veteran players, so I ask them how they manage to play for such a long time and incorporate it into my own physical regimen.

——​​At Rakuten Group has the slogan “Powered by Sports. Playing for All”. What would you like to convey now as an admired senior to the children who are responsible for the future?

I hope you have the experience of overcoming failures and setbacks.During my junior youth days, I was never considered an elite player.I often had to practice with the B team, and I hardly got a chance to play in the games.However, I believe it was because I didn’t give up there and continued to train diligently that I was able to grow. I also think it made me able to feel the joy of participating in matches.Making excuses for situations that don’t go as planned won’t lead to growth.I hope you will become a person who can positively pave your own future by your own will.

——​​Could you tell us about how you spend your time off? What do you do to refresh yourself on your days off?

Recently, I’ve been really into Golf.I started around 2023, but since it’s a sport that uses completely different parts of the body from soccer, it’s been a great refreshment for me.On my days off, I often go to play Golf, and there are quite a few people who like Golf in Vissel Kobe, so it’s a good time for communication among teammates.Currently, my best score is 81, so I want to quickly achieve a score in the 70s. (laughs)

——Finally, please tell us your goals for this season.

Firstly, I want to concentrate on each and every game with the goal of winning the J.LEAGUE consecutively.The Asian Champions League (ACL) has also started, and with a tough match schedule, our team is united in aiming for the championship.

While precise kicking is considered his strong point, Hatsuse speaks about how the foundation for this is a body that is less prone to injury.And what supports him is also his experience of overcoming setbacks during his youth.In order to acquire top-level skills, a strong heart is indispensable.In the future, I hope that children aspiring to become soccer players will continue to move forward positively towards a bright future without giving up.

TEXT: Kodai Wada
EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)